For students who are planning to study in the United Kingdom, you should get familiar with these applications that will make living in the UK, whether it’s transportation, food, shopping, or communication much more convenient. Let’s explore each app and get them downloaded in advance.

1. Trainline and National Rail

These two applications are most commonly used for booking train tickets for intercity travel across the UK. They allow you to travel throughout the entire United Kingdom. Importantly, if you are a full-time student in the UK, you can apply for a discount card called the 16-25 Railcard. You can apply online via the website www.16-25railcard.co.uk or at train stations upon arrival in the UK. This card is valid for 1 year and costs £30 (approximately 1,300 THB). For undergraduate students enrolled in a 3-year programme, you can purchase a 3-year card for only £70 (approximately 3,000 THB). In addition, the 16-25 Railcard offers up to 30% discount on train tickets compared to regular prices. Booking tickets in advance will also be cheaper than booking close to the travel date, making it extremely worthwhile. The apps themselves are easy to use. You can purchase train tickets directly through your smartphone without needing to queue at the station or print tickets from machines. Simply show or scan the barcode before entering the station, and you can pass through the gates quickly. Just remember to check that your phone battery is ready before traveling. Moreover, the apps can notify you in advance about your journey or send alerts in case of delays or schedule changes.

2. Citymapper

Citymapper is a very popular app for traveling in the UK, especially for students going to London or major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, Newcastle, or York. The developers are also expanding coverage to more cities across the UK in the future. Citymapper is easy and convenient to use. It helps calculate and find routes in real-time. Simply enter your starting point and destination, and the app will provide detailed directions, including travel options such as buses, underground trains, bicycles, electric scooters, and walking routes. One of its standout features is that it shows which bus lines are arriving, how many minutes until arrival, which stop number, and how far you need to walk to reach your destination. It also includes navigation maps and displays ticket prices. For London underground travel, the app can even indicate which train carriage is less crowded, allowing you to travel more comfortably. Additionally, it helps locate bike or electric scooter rental stations. Overall, this is one of the most modern and comprehensive apps, with high accuracy having it on your phone ensures you won’t get lost.

3. Uber Eats and Deliveroo

Many students are already familiar with food delivery services in Thailand, and the UK offers similar convenience. When it comes to delivery apps in the UK, Uber Eats and Deliveroo are among the most popular. You’ll often see delivery riders cycling to deliver food to customers’ homes. Not only environmentally friendly but also fast and efficient. These apps provide access to a wide range of well-known restaurants across the UK. Each app has its differences, so you can compare prices and promotions before ordering. Every month, there are promo codes and coupons available, including restaurant discounts and free delivery during certain periods. Discounts are especially generous for new users, while regular users can receive discounts of up to 30%.

🟢 Interested in studying in the UK? Get in touch with One Education for personalised advice and support throughout the entire application process. Our service is free of charge. Add Line: @one-edu or submit an enquiry form 

4. StudentBeans and UNiDAYS

For students who love fashion and shopping, whether it’s clothing, cosmetics, restaurants, technology, mobile phones, or gadgets, you shouldn’t miss StudentBeans and UNiDAYS. These two apps feature more than 800 leading brands, including health and fitness categories. They compile promotions and discounts ranging from 30–70%, available both in-store and online. These offers are exclusively available for students.

5. WhatsApp

A very popular app among international students in Europe. Most students in the UK and EU prefer using WhatsApp for communication rather than Line, which is more popular in Asia. To stay connected with friends in the UK, you should definitely download this app. It’s easy to use and allows you to add contacts directly via phone numbers.

6. WeChat

WeChat is a well-known digital platform from China, often considered a digital wallet for Chinese users. Whether paying for transportation or buying food, payments can be made via WeChat. This app is commonly used to communicate with friends from China, Malaysia, and Singapore. It also features many cute animated emojis and is free to download.

7. Skype

Another free online platform that can be installed on both laptops and smartphones. Students often use Skype to communicate with supervisors or conduct group meetings via video calls. It can also be used to call friends who are online at no cost. Additionally, you can top up credits to make international calls to various countries, including Thailand, through affordable monthly packages helping you save significantly on phone expenses.

📝 Article by P’Gig, UK Education Consultant at One Education, and an alumna of Aston University.

Interested in Studying in the UK?

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